Northern Illinois Real Estate Videos & Market Updates

Buying a home soon? The market is giving buyers something they haven’t had much of lately: options. There are now more homes on the market than at any point since 2019, bringing inventory closer to normal levels. That means buyers have a better chance to find a home that fits their needs and budget, while also having more room to negotiate on price and terms. If you’re thinking about buying in Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, or anywhere in the Fox Valley, The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty can help you sort through the options and focus on the homes that are actually worth your time.

Think student loans are holding you back from buying a home? Think again. Around one in three first-time buyers in the Fox Valley have student debt — and they’re still becoming homeowners. What matters most is your full financial picture: income, credit, and the right loan options. Talk to a great local lender and see where you really stand. You might be closer to owning in Geneva, Batavia, or St. Charles than you think.

More than 4 in 10 homes for sale have had at least one price cut, and the average reduction is around $17,000. For sellers, that’s a reminder that pricing correctly from the beginning matters. Start too high, and you may end up chasing the market down. For buyers, a price reduction can signal an opportunity. A seller who has already adjusted their price may be more willing to negotiate on price, closing costs, or other terms. Thinking about buying or selling in Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, or the surrounding Fox Valley? Reach out to The Kombrink Team and let’s talk strategy.

Will home prices drop in Illinois in 2026, or are buyers waiting for a housing crash that may not happen? Current forecasts point toward continued home price growth in Illinois, not a major decline. In this video, Kris Kombrink breaks down what’s keeping prices supported, including low housing inventory, homeowners holding onto low mortgage rates, limited new construction, and continued demand across the Fox Valley. We’ll also look at what this means for buyers and sellers in communities like Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, and throughout Kane and DuPage Counties.

If buying a home is still on your 2026 to-do list, circle September 27 through October 3. According to Realtor.com, that’s expected to be the best week of the year to buy a home nationally, with a combination of more inventory, lower seasonal prices, less competition, and more time to make a decision. Even better for local buyers, Realtor.com identifies that same week as the best buying window for the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro. That doesn’t mean you need to rush into a purchase. The right time to buy still depends on your budget, goals, and the local market. But if you’re considering a move in Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, Elgin, or elsewhere in the Fox Valley, this fall could be worth watching closely.

What does a $500,000 home budget actually get you in Geneva, Batavia, or Elgin, Illinois? These three Fox Valley communities are close together, but your buying power can look very different. Geneva may mean trading some square footage for downtown charm and Metra access. Batavia can offer a balance of location, space, and amenities. In Elgin, $500K may stretch further with larger homes, newer construction, finished basements, and three-car garages. Of course, available homes change every week, and property taxes, HOA fees, updates, and maintenance all factor into the real cost of owning. Which would you choose for $500K: Geneva, Batavia, or Elgin?

Think the best time to sell your house is already behind you? Not so fast. About one-third of annual home sales happen during the final four months of the year, and buyers are still actively making moves before the new year. The key is getting the price, presentation, and marketing right.

The housing market is telling two very different stories depending on price point. Homes under $250,000 are seeing fewer sales than last year, while sales of homes over $750,000 have climbed by double digits. Why the gap? Entry-level buyers are feeling the impact of mortgage rates much more heavily, while higher-end buyers often have more financial flexibility. For sellers, that means your pricing strategy matters. Lower-priced homes may need sharper pricing and stronger presentation, while higher-end homes could still see strong demand and even multiple offers. Want to know where your home fits in today’s Fox Valley market? Contact The Kombrink Team at 630-402-0021 or visit https://www.kombrink.com.

Your Zestimate might be missing the upgrades, location advantages and unique features that could add thousands of dollars to your home’s value. Online estimates can be a helpful starting point, but they can’t walk through your remodeled kitchen, evaluate your finished basement or understand how much buyers value a quiet cul-de-sac, downtown location or nearby Metra station. For an accurate home valuation in Kane or DuPage County, reach out to The Kombrink Team. We’ll combine current market data with real local experience to determine what your home could actually sell for.

Hey there, food lovers! If you're in Batavia, Illinois, and craving a delicious meal, you're in luck. We've got a list of the top 7 restaurants that you absolutely must try, compiled based on Google user reviews, considering both star ratings and the number of reviews. Brought to you by The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty. From casual eats at Chicken Salad Chick to upscale sushi at Swordfish, discover the best dining spots Batavia has to offer. Let's dive in! Chicken Salad Chick: Casual and friendly, specializing in light, refreshing chicken salads. Don't miss their daily specials. https://chickensaladchick.com/batavia-il WindMill Grille & Pizzeria: Family-friendly and cozy, serving American and Italian dishes. Pizza and pasta night deals are worth it. http://windmillgrillepizzeria.com/ Tusk Thai Cuisine: Modern and vibrant, offering authentic Thai cuisine. Great lunch specials and deals on Thai iced tea. https://www.tuskthaicuisine.com/ Swordfish: Elegant and upscale, serving amazing sushi and Japanese dishes. Check out their sushi happy hour for great deals. http://swordfishsushi.com/ Batavia Diner 2: Classic and nostalgic with traditional American diner fare. Their daily breakfast specials are a must-try. https://www.facebook.com/BataviaDiner2/ Fernando's Street Kitchen: Energetic vibe with street food from around the world. Taco Tuesday deals are unbeatable! https://www.fernandosstreetkitchen.com/ Bocaditos Café: Cozy and inviting, offering café-style dishes. Don't miss their weekend brunch specials. http://www.bocaditos.cafe/ Whether you're a local or just visiting, these top-rated restaurants are sure to satisfy your taste buds. If you have any questions about Batavia or are ready to make a move, reach out to The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty.

Looking for weekend plans in the Tri-Cities? Here are seven things to do in Geneva, Batavia, and St. Charles on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27. SATURDAY • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Free Day of Play at the Batavia Depot Museum • 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Autumn Fair at Peck Farm Park in Geneva • 2–5 p.m. | Pints by the Pond at Batavia’s Peg Bond Center (ticketed, 21+; VIP entry begins at 1) • 8:30 p.m. | Dueling pianos at Rock ’N Ravioli in St. Charles SUNDAY • 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | Geneva French Market • 2 p.m. | “I’m Not a Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce” at the Arcada Theatre • 4–7 p.m. | Free Bluegrass Sunday with County Line String Band at Sidecar in Batavia Which one are you checking out? Follow The Kombrink Team for more Fox Valley weekend plans.

Looking for something fun to do around the Fox Valley this weekend? ???? From live music in Geneva and Batavia to Air Supply at the Arcada Theatre, the Fall Inclusive Vendor Fair, Heirloom Apple Fest, and Bluegrass Sunday, there’s plenty happening around the Tri-Cities. ???? Geneva, Illinois ???? Batavia, Illinois ???? St. Charles, Illinois What are you checking out this weekend?

Kane County, Illinois has more than 40 family-friendly trails, with everything from paved Fox River paths to prairie, wetlands and wooded loops. Some local favorites include the Fox River Trail, Virgil Gilman Trail, Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve, Muirhead Springs and Mount St. Mary Park. Whether you're looking for an easy family walk, birding, biking or just somewhere new to explore around Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles and Aurora, there’s probably a trail nearby you haven’t tried yet.

A time-lapse video of the Batavia, Illinois downtown McDonald's rebuild. Showing the progress from demolition to Grand Opening. Photos were shot starting August 29th, 2012 and ending with December 4th, 2012.

Five median days on market and homes selling above asking price overall. Batavia’s housing market is still moving quickly. Here’s your September 2026 Batavia, Illinois market snapshot: • Median sold price: $425,110 • Median days on market: 5 • Sold-to-list price ratio: 101.6% • Months of inventory: 1.6 • Active listings: 51 • New listings: 47 The median sold price declined 7.58% from August, but that doesn’t mean every home lost value. The mix of homes selling can shift the median, even while buyers compete for well-priced properties. Buying? Have your financing and priorities ready. Selling? Strong presentation and realistic pricing still matter.

What’s happening in the Batavia, Illinois real estate market right now? In August 2026: Median sold price: $460,000 Median days on market: 8 days Months of inventory: 1.4 Sold-to-list ratio: 100.3% Inventory: up 37% year over year Active listings: 45 Median price per square foot: $234 Even with more homes available, Batavia remains a competitive seller’s market. Properties are still moving quickly and selling slightly above asking price on average. Thinking about buying or selling a home in Batavia? Contact The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty at 630-402-0021.